Offices and households across the country use the internet on a daily basis and are sometimes subjected to cyberattacks and viruses. Workplaces and businesses have precautions and guidelines in place to stop hackers from getting into sensitive materials. Some retail chains have even been subjected to cyber-attacks and customers’ bank information was leaked. Now, drivers have to worry about similar cyber-attacks on EV charging stations. Since EV charging stations can be connected to the internet, they are at risk of cyber hackers. Bank information and other user data are used on certain brands of charging stations and the mobile apps some use to pay for their charge. Since EV charging networks are increasing, the need for extra security to protect the charging stations and drivers is a big concern.

Some EV charging stations around the world have already been hacked. Reports in Russia and the U.K. said that inappropriate videos and messages have been displayed on the EV charging stations while drivers were charging. In those instances, there wasn’t any sensitive information about the drivers stolen. These types of cyberattacks can make the charging stations go offline until the charging stations manager knows that their network is secured.

Drivers are urged to be weary of putting your user data at risk. If anything seems off about an EV charging station you are using, for example, like odd messages or videos being played, alert an employee or whoever manages the EV charging station.

Click here to read the full article, originally published February 21, 2023, by Security Intelligence.